JAIPUR: Students of both ABVP and NSUI protesting over various demands clashed with police outside the vice-chancellor's secretariat in Rajasthan University (RU) on Wednesday. The clashes occurred when the syndicate meeting was going on.
Since the syndicate meeting, being held after a year, was to discuss more than 40 proposals, the students wanted to submit their demands to improve education and facilities in the university. The clashes began when they were not allowed to enter the VC's secretariat. Protesting students broke the barricade and reached the building. Twelve of them were detained by the police.
ABVP leaders alleged that the authorities were suppressing their voices and preventing a peaceful resolution to their 11 demands. "ABVP has consistently notified the university administration on issues such as fee increments, 20% increase in student intake, and affordable hostel fees for both male and female students. But the university administration is not listening to us and rather using force," said senior ABVP leader Bharat Bhushan, who was detained.
"We strongly condemn the lathi-charge on students during the syndicate meeting and demand action against policemen who did so. Why were the policemen allowed inside the campus when the students were protesting peacefully? Police interference in colleges and universities of Rajasthan is condemnable," said ABVP national general secretary Hushyar Meena.
NSUI member Rahul Mahala said the university's "non-serious approach towards the students' issues" has left many students disappointed. "We plan to continue our peaceful protests till we get to speak to the VC ourselves. We have been assured that these matters will be looked into," he said.
Students tried to disrupt RU syndicate meeting: Police Sanjay Chaudhary, another NSUI member, said, "We sought a dialogue to discuss five key issues like improved facilities on the campus and hostels, extending the deadline of admissions, and matters related to fees. We just wanted to meet the vice-chancellor."
Police officials said the place was barricaded because some students were trying to disrupt the syndicate meeting. "We employed necessary force as a last resort to disperse the unruly crowd," said a senior police officer, adding that they resorted to lathi-charge after failing to control the situation. The police contingent consisted of nearly a dozen inspectors and several assistant commissioners of police (ACPs).
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